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The Shamrock Trinity #1
Rafe, The Maverick
Heirs to a great dynasty, the Delaney brothers were united by blood, united by devotion to their rugged land ... and known far and wide as THE SHAMROCK TRINITY. Powerful men... rakes and charmers... they needed only love to make their lives complete.Rafe Delaney was a heartbreaker whose ebony eyes held laughing devils and whose lilting voice could charm any lady -- or any horse -- until a stallion named Diablo left him in the dust. It took Maggie O'Riley to work her magic on the impossible horse...and on his bold owner. No woman had jolted Rafe Delaney's heart until this tiny dynamo had come to Shamrock Ranch; now her grace and strength made him yearn to share the raw beauty of his land, to teach her the exquisite pleasure of yielding to the heat inside her. Maggie was stirred by Rafe's passion, but would his reputation and her ambition keep their kindred spirits apart?
Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 1986
37 people are currently reading
359 people want to read
About the author
Kay Hooper
107 books2,451 followersKay Hooper (aka Kay Robbins) was born in California, in an air force base hospital since her father was stationed there at the time. The family moved back to North Carolina shortly afterward, so she was raised and went to school there.
The oldest of three children, Kay has a brother two years younger and a sister seven years younger. Her father and brother are builders who own a highly respected construction company, and her mother worked for many years in personnel management before becoming Kay's personal assistant, a position she held until her untimely death in March 2002. Kay's sister Linda works as her Business Manager, Events Coordinator, and is playing a major role in the creation and operation of The Kay Hooper Foundation.
Kay graduated from East Rutherford High School and attended Isothermal Community College — where she quickly discovered that business classes did not in any way enthrall her. Switching to more involving courses such as history and literature, she also began to concentrate on writing, which had been a longtime interest. Very quickly hooked, she asked for a Christmas typewriter and began seriously working on her first novel. That book, a Regency romance titled Lady Thief, sold to Dell Publishing in 1980. She has since published more than 60 novels and four novellas.
Kay is single and lives in a very small town in North Carolina, not far from her father and siblings. Deigning to live with her are a flock of cats — Bonnie, Ginger, Oscar, Tuffy, Felix, Renny, and Isabel — of various personalities who all like sleeping on manuscripts and whatever research happens to be spread across Kay's desk. And living amongst the many felines are two cheerfully tolerant dogs, a shelter rescue, Bandit, who looks rather like a small sheepdog, and a Sheltie named Lizzie.
The oldest of three children, Kay has a brother two years younger and a sister seven years younger. Her father and brother are builders who own a highly respected construction company, and her mother worked for many years in personnel management before becoming Kay's personal assistant, a position she held until her untimely death in March 2002. Kay's sister Linda works as her Business Manager, Events Coordinator, and is playing a major role in the creation and operation of The Kay Hooper Foundation.
Kay graduated from East Rutherford High School and attended Isothermal Community College — where she quickly discovered that business classes did not in any way enthrall her. Switching to more involving courses such as history and literature, she also began to concentrate on writing, which had been a longtime interest. Very quickly hooked, she asked for a Christmas typewriter and began seriously working on her first novel. That book, a Regency romance titled Lady Thief, sold to Dell Publishing in 1980. She has since published more than 60 novels and four novellas.
Kay is single and lives in a very small town in North Carolina, not far from her father and siblings. Deigning to live with her are a flock of cats — Bonnie, Ginger, Oscar, Tuffy, Felix, Renny, and Isabel — of various personalities who all like sleeping on manuscripts and whatever research happens to be spread across Kay's desk. And living amongst the many felines are two cheerfully tolerant dogs, a shelter rescue, Bandit, who looks rather like a small sheepdog, and a Sheltie named Lizzie.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 16, 2017
"Rafe the Maverick" is the first book in the Delaney brothers trilogy, and the story of Rafe and Maggie.
When Rafe, the youngest of the Shamrock Trinity, and horse ranch owner hires a new trainer, he never expects the beautiful, petite Maggie.
She however proves him wrong by weaving her magic, not only on the ranch hands and horses, but also Rafe.
As his (false) reputation with women precedes him, his attraction for Maggie remains one sided (supposedly), until gentle wooing and a tragedy makes the two inevitable lovers end up together.
Gentle, beta hero who relentlessly pursues the heroine, and makes her realize his love for her. She on the other hand, also gets over her issues and slowly falls for him.
I liked the interactions with Burke and York, and can't wait to read their stories. Also really liked Rafe's character.
Safe
3.5/5
When Rafe, the youngest of the Shamrock Trinity, and horse ranch owner hires a new trainer, he never expects the beautiful, petite Maggie.
She however proves him wrong by weaving her magic, not only on the ranch hands and horses, but also Rafe.
As his (false) reputation with women precedes him, his attraction for Maggie remains one sided (supposedly), until gentle wooing and a tragedy makes the two inevitable lovers end up together.
Gentle, beta hero who relentlessly pursues the heroine, and makes her realize his love for her. She on the other hand, also gets over her issues and slowly falls for him.
I liked the interactions with Burke and York, and can't wait to read their stories. Also really liked Rafe's character.
Safe
3.5/5
August 27, 2022
Well considering that it was set in a particular era, the stereotyping was in inevitable. But I did like Rafe since he was funny and kind of unpredictable in a harmless way.
Maggie was fire with insecurities of her own and she dealt with them in her own time.
The love between brothers felt really good to read.
I think I liked Kathleen the best. Never have I read about a housekeeper who is messy and a terrible cook yet the sweetest person.
Started on the second book immediately since the stories seem to be running parallelly.
Maggie was fire with insecurities of her own and she dealt with them in her own time.
The love between brothers felt really good to read.
I think I liked Kathleen the best. Never have I read about a housekeeper who is messy and a terrible cook yet the sweetest person.
Started on the second book immediately since the stories seem to be running parallelly.
August 13, 2018
Rafe is one of three Delaney sons leading the Delaney dynasty, and Rafe has control of the horse ranch side of things. He's branching out into gaited horses, so he hires Maggie O'Riley as his new trainer. She's good and he can't afford to lose her, which is unfortunate because Rafe falls into insta-love with her and has to think long game...how can he keep her with him and pursue her without scaring her away? This is especially dicey because Rafe has an undeserved reputation as a rake which causes Maggie to want to keep her distance. She has ambitions and goals and she's not about to sacrifice them to be a notch on Rafe's belt, not when she's got the perfect job. This doesn't stop her from falling in love with him though. When she finally stops and realizes that he's not a rake and he's in this for the long haul, her dreams once again get in the way...how can marry a man who has her dream ranch without him doubting her reasons for marrying him?
So, I kinda expected, what with this being a 1986 Loveswept with a man practically mauling a woman in a horse pasture, that this was going to be more hardcore old school...you know, with attack kisses, crazy drama and cocktails on the veranda before dinner. This was refreshingly not that. There are attack kisses, but they're not meant to be a power play or anything. Interestingly enough which is all kinds of inappropriate and pervy actually, but none of the women seem all that upset by it and I guess that's why he gets away with it. Not sure this could work in the real, modern world without him getting blasted with pepper spray. Anyway...
The hero falls ass over elbows in love with the heroine right off the bat and he is crazy smitten. He's not possessive or creepy about it and he treats her like a valued employee that he trusts.
He puts her in a position of power, gives her people to manage, lets her be responsible for day to day scheduling and what not and never questions her authority or knowledge. He honestly is baffled how to get her to see him as a sexual being, rather than a non-sexual co-worker/boss. He makes all kinds of missteps with it too. This total lack of confidence was actually pretty endearing. He ends up going flirty, which justifies the heroine's suspicions of his being a rake, and they find themselves in a sexual harassment lawyer's wet dream. No really. He makes all kinds of passes and she gets all kinds of irritated, but she never really tells him to stop. When this is pointed out to her she realizes she doesn't want him to stop, that this is consensual. And it's interesting how muddy sexual harassment can be when there's no communication happening. It kinda seemed like the hero was in the wrong to me because he was overly flirtatious and she was getting angry and monologuing phrases like, "forced to cope with his attentions" and describing ways that it definitely affected her work environment. But she wasn't clear about communicating this...because she actually did want it, so he continued his game/seduction, thinking he was gradually winning her over, especially since she was laughing most of the time. Hmmm.
So beyond the hero's efforts to woo the heroine and her determination to push him away because of her misconceptions and then her own fears of being perceived as a gold-digger (which was a bit frustrating and difficult to understand), nothing much else happens. This is kinda low on the angst scale, low on the action scale (other than a barn fire which raises lots more questions but is probably handled in the next books in the series) and kinda low on the steam factor too. I did like this, as it was, but felt like there wasn't enough happening...maybe if there'd been more with the brothers or something. I'm kinda thinking Kay Hooper may be on my "to read" list from now on though just because I liked a lot of what she included (smitten hero, respectful (mostly) relationship, trust, etc.)
So, I kinda expected, what with this being a 1986 Loveswept with a man practically mauling a woman in a horse pasture, that this was going to be more hardcore old school...you know, with attack kisses, crazy drama and cocktails on the veranda before dinner. This was refreshingly not that. There are attack kisses, but they're not meant to be a power play or anything. Interestingly enough which is all kinds of inappropriate and pervy actually, but none of the women seem all that upset by it and I guess that's why he gets away with it. Not sure this could work in the real, modern world without him getting blasted with pepper spray. Anyway...
The hero falls ass over elbows in love with the heroine right off the bat and he is crazy smitten. He's not possessive or creepy about it and he treats her like a valued employee that he trusts.
He puts her in a position of power, gives her people to manage, lets her be responsible for day to day scheduling and what not and never questions her authority or knowledge. He honestly is baffled how to get her to see him as a sexual being, rather than a non-sexual co-worker/boss. He makes all kinds of missteps with it too. This total lack of confidence was actually pretty endearing. He ends up going flirty, which justifies the heroine's suspicions of his being a rake, and they find themselves in a sexual harassment lawyer's wet dream. No really. He makes all kinds of passes and she gets all kinds of irritated, but she never really tells him to stop. When this is pointed out to her she realizes she doesn't want him to stop, that this is consensual. And it's interesting how muddy sexual harassment can be when there's no communication happening. It kinda seemed like the hero was in the wrong to me because he was overly flirtatious and she was getting angry and monologuing phrases like, "forced to cope with his attentions" and describing ways that it definitely affected her work environment. But she wasn't clear about communicating this...because she actually did want it, so he continued his game/seduction, thinking he was gradually winning her over, especially since she was laughing most of the time. Hmmm.
So beyond the hero's efforts to woo the heroine and her determination to push him away because of her misconceptions and then her own fears of being perceived as a gold-digger (which was a bit frustrating and difficult to understand), nothing much else happens. This is kinda low on the angst scale, low on the action scale (other than a barn fire which raises lots more questions but is probably handled in the next books in the series) and kinda low on the steam factor too. I did like this, as it was, but felt like there wasn't enough happening...maybe if there'd been more with the brothers or something. I'm kinda thinking Kay Hooper may be on my "to read" list from now on though just because I liked a lot of what she included (smitten hero, respectful (mostly) relationship, trust, etc.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2017
If you are looking to read a throwback romance, read Rafe the Maverick. What do I mean by throwback romance? Well, let me explain. Throwback romances are romances where the male character pursues the female character. Even if she flat-out tells him “Stay away from me. Not interested“. He thinks that by smothering her in his awesome presence, that she will come around. She usually does but sometimes she needs more persuading before declaring her love. I actually like reading throwback romances. They were among the first romance novels that I read when I was 13-14 years old. So I read them with a smile and a bit of nostalgia.
Rafe the Maverick starts off with Maggie O’Riley coming to work on Rafe’s horse ranch. Maggie is a gifted horse trainer with a goal. She wants to own her own ranch someday. She wants to prove to her father that she is as talented as he is. So accepting the job offer at Rafe’s ranch is the next step to achieving that goal. What she wasn’t expecting was the immediate attraction she had to Rafe. But her attraction to Rafe could cost her everything that she has worked so hard for.
Rafe Delaney wants the best for his ranch and that means hiring Maggie O’Riley. She has a reputation as a horse whisperer. When he sees her charm the hooves off of his stallion, Diablo, he knows he has made the right choice. What he doesn’t expect is falling for her his new trainer. And he definitely didn’t expect her to give him the cold shoulder. See, Rafe has a reputation as a heartbreaker, a love them and leave them kind of man. He is not used to women not wanting him. So when Maggie turns him down, he sees her as a challenge and sets out to win her over.
Rafe made me laugh. I couldn’t believe the length he was willing to go through to win over Maggie. He didn’t take no for an answer. I do think that his pursuit of Maggie started off because she flat-out told him that she didn’t want him. Then it morphed into love. I thought it was sweet. I thought he was sweet.
Maggie was so sweet but she also had a bite. She definitely knew how to hold her own with Rafe. She was also a talented horse trainer and Rafe was a stepping stone to her own ranch. She decided to ride out his infatuation. Which didn’t end up the way she thought it was going to. I didn’t know if I was supposed to root for her to get rid of him or to finally admit that she loved him.
The sex scenes were very tame compared to some of the books written in this era. I like graphic sex scenes but sometimes all you need the bare minimum. Written right, those scenes can have the same impact as a graphically written one. The sex scenes in Rafe the Maverick definitely hit all those sweet spots and then some.
The end of the book ended on a happy ending but I thought that the book wasn’t going to get there. All the storylines were ended in a way that did please me as a reader. I did like how there was an opening for book 2. Which I can’t wait to read.
Rafe the Maverick is your typical late 80’s romance novel. If you do read it, be ready for the stereotypes of that era and the sexism that went with it. I did enjoy reading it and loved the nostalgic feelings that I had when I read it. I thought the plot was very good but did think that the characters could have been fleshed out more. Other than that mild complaint, I enjoyed reading the book.
I would like to thank Kay Hooper, Random House Publishing Group, Loveswept and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review Rafe, the Maverick.
All opinions stated in this review of Rafe, the Maverick is mine.
I received no compensation for this review
**I received a free copy of this book and volunteered to review it**
Rafe the Maverick starts off with Maggie O’Riley coming to work on Rafe’s horse ranch. Maggie is a gifted horse trainer with a goal. She wants to own her own ranch someday. She wants to prove to her father that she is as talented as he is. So accepting the job offer at Rafe’s ranch is the next step to achieving that goal. What she wasn’t expecting was the immediate attraction she had to Rafe. But her attraction to Rafe could cost her everything that she has worked so hard for.
Rafe Delaney wants the best for his ranch and that means hiring Maggie O’Riley. She has a reputation as a horse whisperer. When he sees her charm the hooves off of his stallion, Diablo, he knows he has made the right choice. What he doesn’t expect is falling for her his new trainer. And he definitely didn’t expect her to give him the cold shoulder. See, Rafe has a reputation as a heartbreaker, a love them and leave them kind of man. He is not used to women not wanting him. So when Maggie turns him down, he sees her as a challenge and sets out to win her over.
Rafe made me laugh. I couldn’t believe the length he was willing to go through to win over Maggie. He didn’t take no for an answer. I do think that his pursuit of Maggie started off because she flat-out told him that she didn’t want him. Then it morphed into love. I thought it was sweet. I thought he was sweet.
Maggie was so sweet but she also had a bite. She definitely knew how to hold her own with Rafe. She was also a talented horse trainer and Rafe was a stepping stone to her own ranch. She decided to ride out his infatuation. Which didn’t end up the way she thought it was going to. I didn’t know if I was supposed to root for her to get rid of him or to finally admit that she loved him.
The sex scenes were very tame compared to some of the books written in this era. I like graphic sex scenes but sometimes all you need the bare minimum. Written right, those scenes can have the same impact as a graphically written one. The sex scenes in Rafe the Maverick definitely hit all those sweet spots and then some.
The end of the book ended on a happy ending but I thought that the book wasn’t going to get there. All the storylines were ended in a way that did please me as a reader. I did like how there was an opening for book 2. Which I can’t wait to read.
Rafe the Maverick is your typical late 80’s romance novel. If you do read it, be ready for the stereotypes of that era and the sexism that went with it. I did enjoy reading it and loved the nostalgic feelings that I had when I read it. I thought the plot was very good but did think that the characters could have been fleshed out more. Other than that mild complaint, I enjoyed reading the book.
I would like to thank Kay Hooper, Random House Publishing Group, Loveswept and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review Rafe, the Maverick.
All opinions stated in this review of Rafe, the Maverick is mine.
I received no compensation for this review
**I received a free copy of this book and volunteered to review it**
May 24, 2023
"You're a lot like this land, Maggie," he said softly. "You give no quarter."
We begin our story with Maggie as she is hired on Rafe's family horse farm after impressing him with her horse training skills. Horses and their upkeep and breeding take up a lot of time in this book. Although I am not an expert, I had relatives that raised horses for competition (barrel and dresage), I am familiar with some horse culture. For the short length, the book was able to remain true to life of horses and the people who love and raise them. Anyway, I enjoyed this book just fine. I may even watch out for the rest of the series (featuring different authors). This is my second Kay Hooper and I think her writing works well for me.
As I mentioned in an update, my spouse found this in a Little Free Library for me. I often read and return the books I find, but I plan to keep this book for the lovely cover (illustrated by Joe DeVito).
content note: there's some offensive Native American representation and stereotypes.
We begin our story with Maggie as she is hired on Rafe's family horse farm after impressing him with her horse training skills. Horses and their upkeep and breeding take up a lot of time in this book. Although I am not an expert, I had relatives that raised horses for competition (barrel and dresage), I am familiar with some horse culture. For the short length, the book was able to remain true to life of horses and the people who love and raise them. Anyway, I enjoyed this book just fine. I may even watch out for the rest of the series (featuring different authors). This is my second Kay Hooper and I think her writing works well for me.
As I mentioned in an update, my spouse found this in a Little Free Library for me. I often read and return the books I find, but I plan to keep this book for the lovely cover (illustrated by Joe DeVito).
content note: there's some offensive Native American representation and stereotypes.
October 25, 2017
I don’t recall reading Kay Hooper but “Rafe, The Maverick” was very interesting and captivating. The prologue of history was fascinating and the entire premise of the story sure was enthralling.
Rafe Delaney as the cocky, rich and handsome owner of Shamrock Ranch is just that, but add in protectiveness and loads of stubbornness and you have a hero hard to resist. The petite, beautiful and skillful horse trainer Maggie O’ Riley has only one goal in mind – to train horses on the legendary ranch and make a successful career. Getting sidetracked and falling for Rafe was not her plan of action. But with fate stepping in, Irish charm and a dose of sinister incidents, bring Rafe and Maggie close and with their hearts on line, they have everything to fight for.
A definite worthy read and am glad had the opportunity to read Kay Hooper, and now she’s going to be on my regular read of authors.
Received an ARC from Random House Publishing House/Loveswept via NetGalley for an honest review.
Rafe Delaney as the cocky, rich and handsome owner of Shamrock Ranch is just that, but add in protectiveness and loads of stubbornness and you have a hero hard to resist. The petite, beautiful and skillful horse trainer Maggie O’ Riley has only one goal in mind – to train horses on the legendary ranch and make a successful career. Getting sidetracked and falling for Rafe was not her plan of action. But with fate stepping in, Irish charm and a dose of sinister incidents, bring Rafe and Maggie close and with their hearts on line, they have everything to fight for.
A definite worthy read and am glad had the opportunity to read Kay Hooper, and now she’s going to be on my regular read of authors.
Received an ARC from Random House Publishing House/Loveswept via NetGalley for an honest review.
February 6, 2013
loved this series. it's what got me started on this author and why I bought so many of her bishop files books.
April 8, 2014
guilty pleasure from my teen days
March 4, 2024
Rafe, The Maverick is a good fit for readers looking for a heartwarming story about finding love and connection in the face of personal challenges and reputations.
September 24, 2019
I read book #2 of the trilogy first (York, the Renegade), which is by a different author, but Preston's writing style seems similar to Johansen's. Liked this book better, though. Hard-working single-minded heroine, strong and tender hero. Hero knows almost from the first that he has honorable intentions towards heroine. Heroine has had a hard life, has set her goal on pulling herself out of said hard life, doesn't want to be distracted. Further complication: they are employer and employee.
Maggie was a wee bit exasperating in her stubbornness, but generally tolerable as she's quite practical and refuses to swoon at Rafe's feet despite being crazy attracted to him. Rafe is the hero of your dreams who knows a good thing when he sees one and will not give up till he has won the fair lady's hand. He opens himself up to her and lays his heart at her feet. In that respect, it's quite similar to book #2 except that Rafe doesn't have York's self-doubts and doesn't try to be a self-sacrificing martyr, which makes the story much more pleasant to read.
In between you get horses, lots and lots of horses, as Rafe owns a ranch and hires Maggie as a horse trainer. I happen to like animals in a story, and I felt there was wasted potential with Merlin and Warlock, both of whom were briefly introduced but ended up not playing any role at all. I liked that Maggie is very good at her job, and loved that Rafe respects her skills & abilities, and never once trying to tell her what to do or how to do it. He really is the nearly perfect book boyfriend 😍
Maggie was a wee bit exasperating in her stubbornness, but generally tolerable as she's quite practical and refuses to swoon at Rafe's feet despite being crazy attracted to him. Rafe is the hero of your dreams who knows a good thing when he sees one and will not give up till he has won the fair lady's hand. He opens himself up to her and lays his heart at her feet. In that respect, it's quite similar to book #2 except that Rafe doesn't have York's self-doubts and doesn't try to be a self-sacrificing martyr, which makes the story much more pleasant to read.
In between you get horses, lots and lots of horses, as Rafe owns a ranch and hires Maggie as a horse trainer. I happen to like animals in a story, and I felt there was wasted potential with Merlin and Warlock, both of whom were briefly introduced but ended up not playing any role at all. I liked that Maggie is very good at her job, and loved that Rafe respects her skills & abilities, and never once trying to tell her what to do or how to do it. He really is the nearly perfect book boyfriend 😍
April 18, 2024
Sweet older romance
These trilogy sets were released back in the 80/90s so no cell phones and the language and sex are subdued. The stories are stand alone but when you read the three they interlock meaning things are hinted at in one book but take place off screen there are detailed in the book about that person.
Sweet, uncomplicated, short and not in your face swearing or sex scenes. Just good family stories with a romance and a mystery to solve.
Each trilogy adds to the others and people you learn about in an early book you get to have their story which is fun.
This is the whole series list. All are released as ebooks and paperback are still available for most.
The Shamrock Trilogy
-Rafe, the Maverick by Kay Hooper
-York, the Renegade by Iris Johansen
-Burke, the Kingpin by Fayrene Preston
The Delaneys of Killaroo Trilogy
-Adilade, the Enchantress by Kay Hooper
-Matilda, the Adventuress by Iris Johansen
-Sydney, the Temptress by Fayrene Preston
-This Fierce Splendor by Iris Johansen
The Delaneys the Untamed Years 1 Trilogy
-Golden Flames by Kay Hooper
-Wild Silver by Iris Johansen
-Copper Fire by Fayrene Preston
The Delaneys the Untamed Years 2 Trilogy
-Velvet Lightning by Kay Hooper
-Satin Ice by Iris Johansen
-Silken Thunder by Fayrene Preston
-The Delaney Christmas Carol by Kay Hooper, Iris Johansen and Fayrene Preston
This above is the order released and recommended reading order. Hope it helps!
Happy reading and enjoy the series, I know I still do after all these years. 😁
These trilogy sets were released back in the 80/90s so no cell phones and the language and sex are subdued. The stories are stand alone but when you read the three they interlock meaning things are hinted at in one book but take place off screen there are detailed in the book about that person.
Sweet, uncomplicated, short and not in your face swearing or sex scenes. Just good family stories with a romance and a mystery to solve.
Each trilogy adds to the others and people you learn about in an early book you get to have their story which is fun.
This is the whole series list. All are released as ebooks and paperback are still available for most.
The Shamrock Trilogy
-Rafe, the Maverick by Kay Hooper
-York, the Renegade by Iris Johansen
-Burke, the Kingpin by Fayrene Preston
The Delaneys of Killaroo Trilogy
-Adilade, the Enchantress by Kay Hooper
-Matilda, the Adventuress by Iris Johansen
-Sydney, the Temptress by Fayrene Preston
-This Fierce Splendor by Iris Johansen
The Delaneys the Untamed Years 1 Trilogy
-Golden Flames by Kay Hooper
-Wild Silver by Iris Johansen
-Copper Fire by Fayrene Preston
The Delaneys the Untamed Years 2 Trilogy
-Velvet Lightning by Kay Hooper
-Satin Ice by Iris Johansen
-Silken Thunder by Fayrene Preston
-The Delaney Christmas Carol by Kay Hooper, Iris Johansen and Fayrene Preston
This above is the order released and recommended reading order. Hope it helps!
Happy reading and enjoy the series, I know I still do after all these years. 😁
October 10, 2017
When rancher Rafe Delaney lays eyes on his new horse trainer, Maggie O'Riley, he is less than impressed. Believing her to be too "tiny" and lacking the strength needed for the job, Rafe wants her to leave. Maggie, however, has no intention of leaving and bets Rafe that she will be able to ride an "untrainable" black stallion by the end of the day. Maggie wins the bet and Rafe realizes that she is both stronger than she looks and a very capable as a trainer. While they are strongly attracted to each other, Maggie struggles with her attraction to Rafe because she fears it may stand in the way of achieving her dream of owning her own ranch.
Meanwhile, an unknown person with a vendetta against Rafe's older brother, Burke, widens his attacks to include Rafe's ranch, and the results directly affect Maggie. Will Maggie finally admit her love for Rafe or will her dream of owning her own ranch get in the way of love?
Note: This is a reprint of an earlier book. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher through Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
Meanwhile, an unknown person with a vendetta against Rafe's older brother, Burke, widens his attacks to include Rafe's ranch, and the results directly affect Maggie. Will Maggie finally admit her love for Rafe or will her dream of owning her own ranch get in the way of love?
Note: This is a reprint of an earlier book. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher through Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
October 8, 2017
Kay Hooper has been a favorite author of mine since I read my first Bishop book, so I was ecstatic to get an advance copy of “Rafe” to read! Not only do we get Hooper’s masterful storytelling skill, but we have a charming, rakish cowboy hero and a petite, strong, fiery female horse whisperer who are dynamite together. For a refreshing change of pace, Rafe is the one who’s smitten and ready to commit, and Maggie is the one who puts up quite a fight and requires some convincing. And it wouldn’t be a Hooper novel without a bit of mystery, involving not only Rafe but also his two brothers, Burke and York. Rafe and Maggie get their happily ever after, but just who’s behind the Delaney brothers’ trouble, and why, remains to be seen, and I can’t wait to read Burke’s and York’s stories to see what happens! Don’t miss this first book in the Shamrock Trinity series!
August 23, 2017
I received a copy of this story from NetGalley for a honest review.
It's been a long time since I've read a book by Kay Hooper, but it brought back good memories. I loved Rafe, he was great, I loved that he knew that Maggie was someone special not because she "looked good" but because she was an interesting person not only because of her interests but also because of what she went through to get to the person she was. I liked Maggie, she was interesting person but I was a bit disappointed in her reasons for pushing Rafe away. Overall this was a good story that left me feeling good and curious about the other brothers.
It's been a long time since I've read a book by Kay Hooper, but it brought back good memories. I loved Rafe, he was great, I loved that he knew that Maggie was someone special not because she "looked good" but because she was an interesting person not only because of her interests but also because of what she went through to get to the person she was. I liked Maggie, she was interesting person but I was a bit disappointed in her reasons for pushing Rafe away. Overall this was a good story that left me feeling good and curious about the other brothers.
October 29, 2017
I am a Kay Hopper fan. This is a straight forward romance novel without any mystery. It was originally written in 1986 but I did not find any references that really dated it back to then. This is the love story of Rafe Delaney age 32, he owns and manages Shamrock Ranch and Maggie O’Riley age 26 his new horse trainer. Maggie tries to resist her attraction to her boss but can’t bring herself to say no to him.
As background Rafe is the youngest of the three Delaney brothers. They are all rich, successful and handsome. It appears like someone is out to hurt Rafe’s oldest brother Burke. Hopefully Rafe’s brothers will get their own books.
As background Rafe is the youngest of the three Delaney brothers. They are all rich, successful and handsome. It appears like someone is out to hurt Rafe’s oldest brother Burke. Hopefully Rafe’s brothers will get their own books.
October 27, 2017
I liked this read a lot. Safe is a smart man who isn’t afraid to say when he’s wrong and knows what's really important in life. Maggie is beautiful, tiny and an amazing horsewoman, what more could a guy like Rafe ask for in a partner. Their attraction is strong, and the honesty and care they give to each of their interactions is atypical for many romances. All around, this read was a pleasant surprise.
I received an ARC of this book, from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received an ARC of this book, from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 14, 2017
Well written, just hard to get past the mores of that time. Quaint that Ms. Hooper chose to not update this story which will probably appeal to her loyal base of readers. And there's nothing wrong with that! Just not my cup of tea to be reminded again of some of the views from that time...
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 8, 2017
This is the first tale of the Shamrock Delaney family with Rafe and Maggie's Tale. Have the book in paperback on my shelf from the original publishing and have re-read many times this love story which includes chuckles, history and cowboys. Excited to read this again in Ebook form with continued enjoyment of the story from this beloved author.
Ebook from Net galley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.
Ebook from Net galley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.
November 9, 2017
While the title didn’t impress me at all, the plot and the way of narration definitely kept me hooked to this new series. The characters are surprisingly well thoughtout and have a solid rooting to grow into aomeone that the readers will like to associate with. The plot development largely associates with character development and its quite wonderful to see the growth on both sides. The moments of levity is greatly balanced with chemistry and action, a definite value to the bool.
July 31, 2024
A good first one!
Many years ago I bought the complete collection of the Delaney's, after reading many times "The Delaney Christmas Carol".
Sadly, my vision began to have problems that conducted to the operation of both eyes (cataracts).
Now, thanks to my series of Kindles, (now my new Kindle Fire), I have access to the collection that I mentioned earlier.
"Rafe, the Maverick" is the first, and I loved it from the first word to the last.
Thank you Kay.
Many years ago I bought the complete collection of the Delaney's, after reading many times "The Delaney Christmas Carol".
Sadly, my vision began to have problems that conducted to the operation of both eyes (cataracts).
Now, thanks to my series of Kindles, (now my new Kindle Fire), I have access to the collection that I mentioned earlier.
"Rafe, the Maverick" is the first, and I loved it from the first word to the last.
Thank you Kay.
September 21, 2017
I was given a copy of this book through netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is a reprint of an earlier edition and it shows. The dialogue and perspectives are all very dated. However it was a quick, quiet read and I can see returning to the series when in need of a comfort read.
This book is a reprint of an earlier edition and it shows. The dialogue and perspectives are all very dated. However it was a quick, quiet read and I can see returning to the series when in need of a comfort read.
September 28, 2017
Originally published as a series romance in 1986 and now available as an ebook. It's well-written, and the characters are deftly drawn, but sexual mores have changed enough in the last thirty years that Rafe comes across as a jerk, not as a romantic hero.
October 9, 2017
Rafe, the Maverick is a republication of a book originally published circa 1986. While the story itself is solid I was hoping it would have been updated more than it seems to have been. So while this isn't a bad book it does read old and dated. Personally I didn't really enjoy it.
Read
September 1, 2022This is my favorite of the trilogy.
June 15, 2023
Even though I don't usually read romance books I definitely enjoyed this one..I really enjoying reading Kay Hooper books 😊
January 3, 2019
Tiny, blond Maggie O’Riley may look like a delicate doll, but her skill as a horse trainer able to tame even the most violent animal has made her a legend. As for her new boss, Rafe Delaney, everyone knows that no mortal woman will ever gentle that man. He’s too sexy, stubborn, and decidedly single for anything more than a fling, and that’s not Maggie’s style. But life at Shamrock Ranch has a funny way of bringing out the Irish in everybody—and before Maggie can list all the reasons her attraction to Rafe is just plain wrong, she’s losing more than her willpower in the heat of his touch. Rafe is used to calling the shots on his family’s legendary Arizona ranch, but beautiful, talented Maggie sends his head spinning, his heart racing, and his body aching in overdrive. She’s not the kind of distraction he needs as ruthless saboteurs stage a deadly showdown to break the Delaneys—but since when did Rafe ever back down from a challenge? Especially considering the only thing that’s ever tamed a Delaney man is a spirited and determined woman who’s brave enough to try.
This book is a reissue from an era that I wasn’t quite old enough to have the interest in reading these kinds of books, so it was interesting for me to try it. I’ve tried other author re-releases from the same era and had serious issues with them. This one I actually liked. Knowing it was a throwback did help but it also helped that the writing was really good. I liked both characters, Maggie especially. I recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
This book is a reissue from an era that I wasn’t quite old enough to have the interest in reading these kinds of books, so it was interesting for me to try it. I’ve tried other author re-releases from the same era and had serious issues with them. This one I actually liked. Knowing it was a throwback did help but it also helped that the writing was really good. I liked both characters, Maggie especially. I recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
May 18, 2012
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October 8, 2012
Loved all Three books in this series.
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April 21, 2021didnt care for this. its all angst and woe and not enough story.
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